I have been watching the judging at these shows to see if the judge parts the back to look for the slate bar. I did not see him do it on any of the Buckeyes. I did see him look at the breast as if he was examining whether there was any black. He never came back to the tent where the Buckeyes were when he was looking back over the class. Some judges wouldn't advance a Buckeye no matter what you put up there. Those of us who show our Buckeyes need to be mindful of who is judging as it takes a lot of effort and work to travel to these shows.I'm not real big on Cunningham's ability to judge a buckeye......I put a 9 pound cock (I weighed him right before I put him in the traveling box) and he told me the bird was still to small. I pointed out the standard and he told me I was wrong about the birds weight. Just not a real big fan.
As far as the weather, that is why I shy away from winter shows.....the weather can be unpredictable.....if the birds are standing there all humped up....I know I will be also!
I am sending you a PM.